RexJen
Lord of Altera
*plots deviously*Basically, the tech code option is what LightTwig and Deathmoron have said. It will start modern day, and basic prototype technology will be allowed, though said prototype technology shouldn't be widespread in your nation (aka not everyone has a self-driving car).
The basic idea I have in mind for tech advancement is that when a nation gets to a 100 Scientific Advancement Level, they will be allowed to pick a "specialty" tech. For example, a nation could choose to specialize in railguns and thus allow them to start using railguns in their military. This process would continue, so at 200 SAL, a nation could choose a second technology to specialize in. This method should give nations pushing science an edge, but not an OP one, and it should also give nations some more unique RP qualities.
Also, the technology that a nation chooses to specialize in should be reasonable (aka not straight-up immortality). As a guideline, nations should try specializing in technologies currently in early prototype in RL. Or, as another guideline, try not to specialize in technology that won't likely be developed within the next 50 years in RL.
Genetics :3